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DCA Investigator Honored

Division of Investigation (DOI) Investigator Frank Root received honors from DCA Director Denise D. Brown and the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board for his work in the investigation and arrest of San Luis Obispo hearing aid dispenser Aaron Marquis and his wife, Anja, last October.

DOI had received a complaint from the Board alleging that Marquis was falsely advertising that he held a PhD in Audiology. The complaint also alleged that Marquis was also practicing as an Audiologist and was illegally billing for his services.

Over a period of three years, Root served subpoenas, search warrants, and temporary restraining orders, and worked with informants, victims and allied agencies. The investigation uncovered fraud that exceeded $500,000, involving numerous insurance providers and more than 140 patients—many of them senior citizens.

Root’s investigation led to the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office filing charges on 22 felony counts and two enhancements on both Marquis and his wife. The two were convicted of felony violations of grand theft and a pattern of related felony conduct and insurance fraud, which included private insurance companies, Medi-Cal and Medicare insurances. In addition, Marquis was sentenced to 365 days in jail and five years’ probation, and his wife was sentenced to 13 days in jail and five years’ probation.